INNER LOOP
Downtown Houston and a collection of diverse neighborhoods are bounded inside the 610 Loop, part of the hub-and-spoke highway system that makes Houston readily accessible from all points of the surrounding area. To the west of downtown is an eclectic area collectively referred to as the Inner Loop that features amazing shopping, dining and retail opportunities as well as a diverse array of living environments. Notably, the area is popular for luxurious high-rise buildings, both new and old, that provide convenient upscale living for those wanting to be close to the action but still apart from downtown.

In the newly renovated Upper Kirby District that now stands as the benchmark of luxury, elegance and distinction, 2727 Kirby towers 30 stories above its surroundings with amazing views in every direction. A sophisticated and luxurious 21st-century living environment, 2727 Kirby stands at 400 feet with a gravity-defying, tapered silhouette that has an iconic presence in the Houston skyline. In a choice location near unparalleled shopping, dining and entertainment, 2727 Kirby is a cutting-edge, contemporary work of art that offers residents exclusive amenities like large private balconies with glass railings; a pet-friendly environment; private or semiprivate elevators; a five-level garage with 24-hour valet; a pool deck with heated junior Olympic–size pool overlooking downtown, a five-cup putting green and a summer kitchen; the Aqua and Sunset Lounges; a catering kitchen and theater room with conference facilities; a temperature-controlled wine cellar; guest suites; a fitness center with Pilates studio, virtual golfing and shooting ranges; a private spa with massage and steam rooms; and a private park.

Ideally located near the River Oaks area, 2929 Weslayan is a new 40-story high-rise apartment building with leases available for luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom homes as well as penthouses on the top three floors. A LEED Gold-Certified Property, 2929 Weslayan features water-conserving landscaping, environmentally conscious building materials and maintenance, high-efficiency utility systems, onsite recycling and preferred parking for low-emission vehicles. The building’s exquisitely designed floor plans come with 14 stunning interior design packages, open-concept gourmet kitchens, floor-to-ceiling windows with blackout shades, 10- to 11-foot ceilings, generous walk-in closets, marble and granite surfaces throughout, wireless light and climate controls and oversized balconies. One-bedrooms start at $2,526 while prices go up to $15,968 per month for a three-bedroom penthouse with an exclusive elevator. The building also offers world-class amenities like a 24-hour doorman, concierge and attendant; valet parking and a controlled-access garage; a 24-hour fitness center with refreshment bar; the 60-seat Skyline Lounge, private dining room with professional chef’s kitchen and a 14-seat boardroom for events and meetings; a covered dog park; a resort-style grotto pool and west deck with cabana; and a 30,000-square-foot eighth-floor outdoor living space with unobstructed downtown views and a fireplace, mater grilling stations and a raised fire pit with seating all around. Plus, diners can enjoy the nationally acclaimed Roka Akor, a steak and sushi restaurant open on the ground floor.

A new luxury high-rise in River Oaks, The Arabella is a 33-story condominium building on San Felipe near the River Oaks District and the Galleria area. The Arabella features 103 condo residences and 13 extravagant penthouses with downtown, Galleria area and Memorial Park views. Every architectural detail reflects art, from its superior exterior modern architecture to its customized interior finishes. All residents enjoy luxurious amenities like 24-hour concierge and valet parking, a lobby with soaring ceilings, a pristine private garden and pet walk area. Plus, the eighth floor features two guest suites, a starlight pool with sun shelf and hot tub, a residents’ lounge with a chef’s kitchen, a private wine cellar, an outdoor kitchen with a bar and deck, a fire pit, a state-of-the-art fitness center and steam, massage and sauna rooms. Floor plans range from two-bedroom units with under 1,500 square feet for $800,000 to three-bedroom units with 2,730 square feet starting at $1.5 million while the three-bedroom penthouses start at $2.6 million. Floors 10–28 each feature only five residences, and most have private elevator door entrances, 10-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows, glass balcony rails, chef-inspired kitchens, a wine cooler, European cabinetry and wood floors and natural stones or porcelains. On Floors 29–32, each penthouse has a private elevator entry, an enclosed private garage with storage, heated floors and a TV in the master bath, an upgraded kitchen appliance package, premium wine coolers, 12-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple or oversized terraces, and some even boast a private sky pool.

Built in 1981, Bayou Bend Towers is a 22-story condominium in a beautiful garden setting overlooking Buffalo Bayou at Westcott and Memorial Drive. Its more than 100 individually owned units, including six penthouses, provide spectacular views of Downtown, River Oaks or the Galleria area. Residences range from 1,380 to 5,582 square feet with private balconies, in-unit garbage pickup and recycling, washer and dryer, secured lower-level storage areas and an attached garage with assigned parking and electric car charging stations. The controlled-access entrance to Bayou Bend Towers is staffed with 24-hour concierge and valet parking service. With views of Buffalo Bayou, the main lobby leads to an outdoor area with two gas grills, a heated swimming pool and spa and a children’s playground and picnic area. The building also offers pet amenities, a state-of-the-art fitness center with full cardio and weight-training equipment, a dry sauna, private locker rooms and whirlpool tub as well as rooftop courts for tennis and basketball. For meetings and events, residents can use two private meeting rooms with wet bars and a private kitchen and guest suites.